The 5 Step Process for Requesting More Hours at Work

Asking for more hours at work can be daunting. You want to come across confident and professional, while not stepping on any toes.

In the maze of shift work, snagging those extra hours can feel like a game of workplace Tetris, where the pieces don’t always fit neatly into your life’s puzzle.

Our guide is your map, offering unique strategies to build rapport with your manager, flex your schedule like a yoga master, and spot great opportunities to ask management for additional hours.

And for those who crave even more control (and cash!), we introduce the game-changer: ‘shift shopping’ with Evolia. Imagine a world where finding extra shifts is as easy as scrolling through TikTok, but instead of video clips, it’s opportunities to beef up your bank account.

Let’s dive in!

1. Develop Good Standing Relations with Managers

Building a strong rapport with your manager is the first critical step. This involves more than just showing up on time; it’s about actively contributing to a positive work environment, offering help during busy periods, and being a team player.

That important work relationship will help you have more confidence when it comes time to make the request for more hours or to inform them of your additional availability. And because you’re a team player, they’ll be willing to work with you to make it happen.

Actionable Tips

• Initiate Regular Check-ins: Schedule brief, regular meetings with your manager to discuss your performance and any areas for improvement.
• Volunteer for Extra Responsibilities: Show your willingness to go above and beyond your current role. This demonstrates commitment and can make your request for more hours more persuasive.

Script Example

“Hi [Manager’s Name], I really enjoy working here and with the team we have. I’m eager to contribute more and was wondering if we could discuss my current role and any opportunities for additional hours.”

Recommended Reading: Work Where and When You Want With Evolia

2. Identify All Available Times You Can Work

Flexibility is a valuable asset in shift work . Take a thorough look at your personal schedule and identify all possible times you could work, including those outside your usual hours.

Being open to working different shifts, especially those that are hard to fill, can significantly boost your chances of getting more hours.

Actionable Tips

• Create a Detailed Availability Chart: Present a clear and detailed chart of your availability to your manager, highlighting any additional shifts you can cover.
• Express Willingness for Last-Minute Shifts: Sometimes, last-minute needs arise. Letting your manager know you’re open to these opportunities can set you apart.

Script Example

“I’ve reviewed my schedule and I’m available to take on more shifts, especially during [mention specific times/days]. I’m flexible and ready to take on those unique shifts that are sometimes hard to fill but really help the company out. On [mention specific times/days], usually outside my traditional shift hours, I do have availability if I have advanced notice, and can make a shift.”

3. Find High-Stress Times for the Team

Understanding your workplace’s busy periods and staffing challenges takes a few steps out of your manager’s process of finding these times anyways. It could help you get more hours quickly as you’ve solved their problems with this approach.

To do this, observe and note the times when your team seems stretched thin or when customer demand peaks. Chat with coworkers and see how they are feeling during these periods so you can understand their sentiment. This info can help you show management that extra help is needed.

Actionable Tips

• Keep a Log of Busy Periods: Maintain a record of times when additional staff seems necessary. Use this data to strengthen your case when requesting more hours.
• Offer Solutions: Don’t just identify problems; propose how your increased hours can alleviate these high-stress periods.

Script Example

“I’ve noticed that [specific times/days] are particularly busy for our team. I’m taking initiative to identify these periods and want to offer additional availability in my schedule to work during these times. Can we discuss the potential for more hours to help the business here?”

4. Prepare to Make the Request

Preparation is key to a successful request. Plan how you’ll approach the conversation, considering the timing, setting, and your manager’s communication style. For example, don’t spur the conversation during a rush hour or right before the Regional Manager arrives for their monthly visit. Plan to make the request when you can do so in 1:1 meeting so you can have their full attention.

Actionable Tips

• Draft a Request Script: Write down key points you want to cover. This ensures you don’t miss any important details during the conversation.
• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your request with a friend or family member to gain confidence and receive feedback.

Script Example

“Hi [manager name], I wanted to discuss a work matter with you. I’ve been thinking about how I can be more involved in our team’s success. Could we set up a time to discuss my current role and the possibility of increasing my hours?”

5. Make the Ask and State Your Case

Approach the conversation with a blend of confidence and humility. Be clear about your availability and the number of hours you’re seeking. Emphasize how your increased presence will benefit the team, not just yourself.

This can also be a great time to highlight your accomplishments for the business from when you’ve worked there. Increasing your commitment can help magnify any future accomplishments.

Actionable Tips

• Be Specific and Realistic: Clearly state the number of additional hours you’re seeking and ensure they’re realistic within your company’s operational constraints.
• Prepare for Negotiation: Be ready to discuss different scenarios. Your manager might offer fewer hours than requested, or suggest different shifts.

Script Example

“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I’m really keen to take on more responsibilities and feel that additional hours would allow me to contribute more effectively to the team. I believe my [mention any specific skills or experiences] would be particularly beneficial during [mention specific times/days].”

Recommended Reading: Basic and Difficult Restaurant Interview Questions to Know

Other Essential Tips

Patience is Key: Understand that your manager might need time to evaluate your request. Be patient and avoid pressing for an immediate answer.

Show Gratitude: Regardless of the outcome, thank your manager for considering your request. This maintains a positive relationship.

Understand Company Policies: Familiarize yourself with policies regarding overtime and maximum working hours to ensure your request is feasible.

Stay Adaptable: Be prepared to adapt your schedule if additional hours become available at short notice.

Finding More Shifts with Evolia

Sometimes, management may not be able to provide more hours or shifts. It could be due to business seasonality, other employee requests, or another myriad of reasons. However, that doesn’t need to stop you from making more money and searching for new shifts !

Work Where and When You Want

If you’re ready to work on your terms, and find shifts that suit your life, head to Evolia’s Shifts Board, and start your journey toward a more flexible, fulfilling work life.

Get Started FREE

Step into the Future of Work with Shift Shopping

Forget Job Hunting… Go Shift Shopping with Evolia is the modern way to view and apply for various shifts across different employers and locations.

This approach aligns perfectly with your needs as a modern worker who values flexibility and control over your schedules.

Whether you’re looking to accommodate study time, earn extra for vacations, or simply desire a change from job, shift shopping offers a tailored solution.

How Shift Shopping Works

Shop for Shifts: Evolia allows you to filter shifts based on location and industry, helping you find the perfect match for your abilities and lifestyle. The platform’s user-friendly interface lets you navigate through different shifts, providing detailed information and the convenience of applying in seconds.

Easy Account Setup: Setting up your account on Evolia is quick and straightforward. Once you find a shift you’re interested in, a few simple steps will have your profile ready, streamlining your application process. Get going in minutes.

Apply with a Click: Say goodbye to the tedious task of filling out lengthy application forms. Evolia simplifies the process, enabling you to apply for shifts with just a click, saving you countless hours and avoiding hassle.

Track Your Applications: Keep an eye on all your applications in one central location. This feature is particularly useful when applying to multiple shifts, ensuring you stay organized and informed about your job-seeking journey.

Final Thoughts

By fostering strong relationships with your supervisors, demonstrating flexibility in your schedule, and identifying key opportunities to assist during peak times, you are well-positioned to request more hours at work.

Remember, whether you’re navigating through the process of asking for more hours at work, or you decide to find more shifts through Evolia, you’re in the driver seat. Take charge of your work schedule with confidence and this will shine through.

Create your free Evolia profile .

Work Where and When You Want

If you’re ready to work on your terms, and find shifts that suit your life, head to Evolia’s Shifts Board, and start your journey toward a more flexible, fulfilling work life.

Get Started FREE